AEP To Close, Reduce Production At Three Ohio Plants

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American Electric Power laid out its plans for how it will comply with a series of new regulations proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency. WOSU reports how it will affect Ohio.(Photo: Ally Marotti / WOSU)

American Electric Power laid out its plans for how it will comply with a series of new regulations proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency. WOSU reports how it will affect Ohio.(Photo: Ally Marotti / WOSU)

American Electric Power laid out its plans for how it will comply with a series of new regulations proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency. WOSU reports how it will affect Ohio.

AEP said it will shut down or partially close three Ohio coal-fueled power plants, costing, 157 workers their jobs.

The power company says the move is an effort to comply with new emissions reduction rules imposed by the EPA.

The Picway Plant in Lockbourne will close by the end of 2014. And two others – one in Beverly, the other in Conesville – will reduce operations during next two years.

The Columbus-based company says customers could see as much as a 15 percent increase in power bills if approved by the public utilities commission.

Prospective Ohio drivers would see added training requirements and the Bureau of Motor Vehicles would be allowed to accept credit and debit cards under a state transportation budget that easily cleared the Ohio House on Tuesday.